Cultural Heritage as a Catalyst for Sustainable Urban Regeneration: The Case of Tarout Island, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Heritage-based urban regeneration is a crucial strategy for preserving cultural identity while fostering sustainable urban development. This study examines the case of Tarout Island, one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest continuously inhabited sites, which faces challenges related to urbanization, infrastructure deterioration, and heritage conservation. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, urban regeneration efforts must balance modernization with the protection of historical and cultural assets to maintain the island’s unique identity. Through a review of global, regional, and local case studies, this research identifies best practices in heritage-driven urban renewal, emphasizing adaptive reuse, sustainable tourism, community engagement, infrastructure integration, and environmental sustainability. The findings highlight the importance of a comprehensive regeneration framework that not only safeguards historical sites but also fosters economic growth, cultural continuity, and community participation. The study proposes a strategic framework for heritage-based urban regeneration in Tarout Island, integrating conservation policies, sustainable tourism models, and participatory planning approaches. Key challenges such as legal enforcement, funding constraints, and the risks of over-commercialization are also addressed. By adopting a holistic and sustainable approach, Tarout Island can serve as a model for heritage-driven urban development in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating how cultural preservation and modernization can coexist harmoniously.

1. Introduction

Urban planning is essential in shaping cities, particularly those with deep historical and cultural significance. Tarout Island, one of Saudi Arabia’s oldest inhabited sites, dates back over 5000 years BC [1] and is renowned for its historical landmarks and archaeological sites. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, the nation is committed to sustainability [2]. Urban planners now face the challenge of modernizing the city while preserving its cultural heritage. Striking a balance between sustainable development and cultural preservation is crucial to maintaining Tarout Island’s unique identity. However, these challenges are not unique to Tarout; historic regions worldwide, from coastal Mediterranean cities to urban centers in the Global South, grapple with similar tensions between rapid urbanization, tourism-driven development, and the need to safeguard cultural and environmental assets. The case of Tarout Island thus offers valuable insights for global urban planning, demonstrating how heritage-based urban regeneration can harmonize modernization with cultural continuity.

Historically, Tarout Island has served as a vital hub for trade and cultural exchange due to its strategic location in the Qatif region [1] (Figure 1). The island’s historical fortresses and traditional houses provide valuable insights into the civilizations that once thrived there [1]. However, in recent years, neglect, poor maintenance, and urban sprawl have posed significant threats to these cultural landmarks. Many historically significant sites remain underutilized, contributing to the island’s physical and cultural decline [3]. Inadequate infrastructure and limited community engagement in public spaces further exacerbate these issues, placing Tarout at risk of losing its distinct character and cultural vitality. Addressing these concerns necessitates a strategic approach that integrates heritage conservation with urban regeneration, a model that resonates with global efforts to revitalize historic sites while fostering sustainable urban futures.

Tarout Island’s urban landscape suffers from a lack of cohesive planning, resulting in deteriorating infrastructure and neglected cultural sites. Public spaces remain underutilized, failing to support cultural and social activities that could enrich community life [1]. These factors reduce the island’s appeal to residents and visitors alike, undermining its potential as a vibrant and sustainable community rooted in its heritage. Despite its significance, Tarout lacks an integrated urban regeneration framework that aligns cultural preservation with contemporary development. Without intervention, the island risks losing not only its historical significance but also its potential to serve as a model for heritage-driven sustainable urban regeneration. This challenge mirrors global trends, where historic cities, like Valletta, Malta, or Luanda, Angola, strive to balance heritage preservation with modern urban demands, making Tarout’s regeneration framework broadly applicable.

The rapid modernization driven by Vision 2030 presents both opportunities and challenges for Tarout Island. While the initiative aims to enhance infrastructure and boost tourism, it also risks overshadowing the need to preserve the island’s historical sites [2]. The absence of a well-structured urban planning strategy that integrates sustainability with heritage conservation threatens Tarout’s identity [1]. If left unaddressed, unplanned development may result in irreversible damage to heritage sites, loss of cultural identity, diminished tourism appeal, and environmental degradation. The lack of a balanced approach could lead to significant economic and cultural consequences [4,5]. These risks are not confined to Tarout; coastal heritage sites in regions like Southeast Asia or Latin America face similar threats from climate change and over-tourism, underscoring the global relevance of Tarout’s strategic approach.

While extensive research exists on cultural preservation and sustainable urban development, there is a paucity of studies that integrate these concepts within the context of smaller, historically significant locations in the Arabian Gulf, such as Tarout Island. Globally, heritage-based urban regeneration faces challenges in balancing modernization with cultural continuity, yet few studies explore how these dynamics apply to regions undergoing rapid urbanization under national development frameworks like Saudi Vision 2030. This study addresses this gap by examining how cultural heritage can serve as a catalyst for sustainable urban regeneration in Tarout Island, contributing to global discussions on sustainable urban development in historically rich but rapidly modernizing contexts. By drawing parallels with other heritage-driven regeneration projects, such as those in Famagusta, Cyprus, or Bukhara, Uzbekistan, this research highlights universal lessons for preserving cultural identity amid urban transformation.

The primary objective of this study is to develop a theoretically grounded and empirically informed framework for heritage-based urban regeneration, using Tarout Island as a case study, to contribute to the global discourse on balancing cultural preservation with sustainable urban development. The study culminates in practical recommendations derived from the proposed framework, ensuring that the theoretical insights are actionable for policymakers and practitioners while advancing academic understanding.

By examining global heritage-based urban regeneration projects, this study aims to extract valuable lessons and best practices that can be adapted to Tarout Island. It will propose an integrated approach to heritage conservation, urban regeneration, and sustainable tourism, positioning Tarout as a key destination within Saudi Arabia’s National Tourism Strategy. This research ultimately seeks to offer a framework that supports sustainable urban development while preserving the island’s cultural legacy, ensuring that modernization efforts enhance rather than erode its historical significance, with implications for heritage-rich regions globally.

Global Relevance of Tarout Island’s Case Study

The challenges facing Tarout Island—urban sprawl, heritage neglect, and environmental threats—are emblematic of broader global trends affecting historic regions. From the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia, coastal heritage sites like Galle, Sri Lanka, or Cartagena, Colombia, confront similar pressures from rapid urbanization, tourism growth, and climate change impacts such as coastal erosion. Tarout’s strategic framework, which integrates adaptive reuse, sustainable tourism, community engagement, and environmental resilience, offers transferable lessons for these regions. For instance, its emphasis on community-driven planning aligns with participatory approaches in Bologna, Italy [6], while its focus on mangrove conservation parallels eco-tourism strategies in the Caribbean [7]. By addressing these universal challenges, Tarout’s regeneration model contributes to global urban planning discourses, demonstrating how small-scale heritage sites can balance cultural preservation with sustainable development. This study’s insights are particularly relevant for rapidly developing regions in the Global South, where national visions like Saudi Vision 2030 echo frameworks such as the UAE’s Vision 2021 or India’s Smart Cities Mission, highlighting the potential for Tarout’s approach to inspire innovative urban regeneration worldwide.

2. Literature Review

2.1. Urban Regeneration

Urban regeneration encompasses a range of approaches concerned with socio-economic and urban infrastructure problems, nurturing a sense of identity and belonging in communities [8,9]. Thus, urban regeneration has become crucial in the strategy of sustainable development since most urban centers around the world face issues of urban decline, environmental deterioration, and the loss of their cultural identity [10,11]. It is a process that merges economic, social, environmental, and institutional concerns to attain sustainable, inclusive, and economically viable urban settings. The concept of urban regeneration goes beyond mere physical redevelopment to socio-economic and cultural revitalization [12].

Awad and Jung [13] emphasize the necessity for a proper balance of all four pillars of sustainability: economic, social, environmental, and institutional, in the context of urban regeneration projects. Their study in Dubai stressed the role played by strategic frameworks, such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process, which gives priority to planning elements that contribute significantly toward a clear-cut urban strategy. Urban regeneration, focusing on the aspect of sustainability, comprises the improvement and rehabilitation not only of the physical space but also the consolidation of local identity and tourism in general, particularly in terms of heritage or culturally important areas such as Deira. Cultural and social dimensions play a crucial role in urban regeneration, as testified by the discussion of culture-led strategies for regeneration by Hwang [14]. Examples of these include places such as Jeonju Hanok Village, Korea, where neglected areas were redeveloped into thriving cultural and tourist hotspots through the preservation of traditional architecture and pride in residents. Other examples, such as the Changdong District in Changwon, drew upon the historical association between art and culture, developing an artist’s destination, with community-led design juxtaposed against cultural marketing as a strategy to revive the area.

These examples reveal how urban regeneration can be most effective if the unique characteristics and histories of local communities are realized. Indeed, this is central to many regeneration initiatives, such as those discussed by Sepe [15] related to creative waterfront renewal. In cases like the HafenCity development in Hamburg, sensitive planning can weigh historic identity against modern urban demands. Besides that, HafenCity has developed a serious maritime tradition for this city by allowing historic warehouses to act as part of a new mixed-use development. This is another example of a mixed approach that integrates both new architectural design and historical context to create an overall narrative that is balanced and meaningful in the urban context. In the Gulf region, one example explored by Boussaa [10] could be the Msheireb project in Doha, showcasing how urban regeneration can reconstitute identity within historic cities. Together, these represent an adaptive reuse method that balances Qatari architectural traditionalism with city modernization and offers a method to sustain the current culture against growing urbanization. Such projects emphasize that urban regeneration need not repeat but reinterpret the past in the context of modern social ideals.

Despite these successes, implementing effective urban regeneration strategies remains challenging. Lawless [16] argues that Area-Based Initiatives in the UK have been far from successful in achieving significant impacts on socio-economic transformations and are confined within physical transformations without addressing the needs of the wider community. The critique thus calls for an approach that is holistic in nature and involves a variety of stakeholders in development; strikes a balance between heritage conservation and development; and integrates local stories into urban design. Community involvement is one of the most common themes in most urban regeneration literature [17]. Participation by residents and stakeholders ensures that any form of regeneration is in line with the aspirations of the community and fosters a sense of ownership and belonging among residents [18,19]. As argued by Hwang [14], participative processes not only increase the legitimacy of projects related to regeneration but also build social cohesion and lead to sustainable development within the community.

In sum, urban regeneration, when purposed, is a multilayered process of balancing historical conservation and modern development with citizen participation. These strategies of thoughtful, inclusive urban regeneration have transformed cities from Dubai to Hamburg, from Changwon to Doha. Taking a multidimensional approach to the physical, social, and economic aspects, the urban regeneration process anchors dynamic and sustainable urban environments, showing respect for the past while offering a way toward the future. These perceptions lay a foundation on which similar strategies could be implemented in Tarout Island in order to enclose its outstanding characteristics and historical components within a new and contemporary urban fabric.

2.2. Heritage-Based Urban Regeneration

Heritage urban regeneration is a comprehensive strategy that connects cultural heritage preservation to sustainable urban development [20]. It focuses on leveraging cultural identity as a foundation for addressing contemporary urban challenges and creating spaces that integrate historical significance with modern functionality [21]. This review examines frameworks, methodologies, and global case studies to explore how such strategies could be applied to Tarout Island. By integrating historical preservation with sustainable urban planning, cities can balance development with cultural continuity, ensuring that the past is not lost in the wake of modernization.

Heritage, within urban regeneration, extends beyond the mere preservation of historic monuments and landmarks. It encompasses traditions, community customs, and cultural narratives that contribute to the social fabric of a place [22,23]. Elnokaly and Elseragy [24] emphasize that heritage is a dynamic asset capable of adapting to contemporary needs while retaining its historic character. In this regard, heritage serves as a catalyst for social cohesion, economic revitalization, and environmental sustainability. Within this context, it enables culture-based, open, and sustainable growth, particularly in areas with contested histories or a longstanding working-class presence [25]. Through adaptive reuse and community engagement, heritage-based urban regeneration can breathe new life into declining urban centers while preserving their historical significance [26].

The successful implementation of heritage-based urban regeneration requires well-structured paradigms and methodologies [23,27]. These range from systematic mapping and inventorying of heritage assets to detailed frameworks like the Heritage Set concept proposed by Amado and Rodrigues [28] in Luanda, Angola. This concept identifies culturally significant locations and integrates them into urban planning strategies. By preserving historic structures and revitalizing adjacent urban areas through mixed-use developments, such approaches demonstrate how heritage can stimulate economic development and foster community cohesion. In addition, technological advancements such as digital mapping, 3D modeling, and virtual reality simulations have enhanced the ability to document and visualize heritage sites, enabling planners to create more effective conservation strategies while allowing public engagement through interactive experiences.

A fundamental element in heritage-based regeneration is participatory planning [17,29]. This approach emphasizes the engagement of multidisciplinary stakeholders, including local residents, urban planners, and heritage specialists, in decision-making processes. For instance, Boeri et al. [6] illustrate how community workshops in Bologna, Italy, facilitated public participation, ensuring that urban interventions aligned with local priorities and values. Similarly, Knippschild and Zöllter [30] introduced the Urban Transformation Matrix in Görlitz, Germany, as a model for balancing conservation efforts with contemporary urban demands. Community engagement has consistently proven essential for the sustainability and social acceptance of regeneration projects [18,31]. It fosters a sense of ownership among residents, reduces conflicts over urban interventions, and ensures that the cultural identity of the area is preserved [32]. Without active community involvement, urban regeneration projects risk becoming top-down interventions that fail to reflect the needs and aspirations of the local population [33,34].

To enhance participatory planning, human-centered design (HCD) principles offer a valuable framework, as outlined by the LUMA Institute [35] and Wells [36]. HCD emphasizes empathy-driven design, iterative prototyping, and user-focused solutions, prioritizing the needs, emotions, and cultural values of communities. Wells [36] advocates for co-design processes in heritage preservation, where residents actively shape interventions to reflect their lived experiences, as seen in community-led heritage projects in the United States. The LUMA Institute [35] provides methods such as stakeholder mapping, empathy mapping, and journey mapping, which can structure community engagement to ensure inclusive and responsive planning. For Tarout Island, applying HCD could involve empathy-driven workshops to understand residents’ connections to heritage sites, iterative feedback loops to refine regeneration plans, and co-design sessions to develop public spaces, ensuring that interventions resonate with local aspirations and foster long-term community ownership.

Heritage is increasingly viewed as a flexible resource capable of adapting to modern urban challenges. The rehabilitation of Carrera Séptima in Bogotá, Colombia, exemplifies how cultural initiatives can preserve an area’s historical character while enhancing its functionality as a modern urban space [6]. This case underscores the idea that heritage, when perceived as a dynamic resource, can evolve to meet contemporary urban needs without compromising its intrinsic value. Furthermore, mixed-use development projects that incorporate historical elements into new constructions allow cities to blend tradition with modernity. The adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, such as converting old warehouses into cultural centers or residential spaces, provides sustainable solutions that reduce waste while maintaining architectural authenticity [37].

Several global case studies further illustrate the practical application of heritage-based regeneration strategies. In Luanda, Angola, the Metropolitan Plan incorporates heritage conservation into urban prioritization, addressing settlement challenges while preserving historical identity [28]. Similarly, the City Gate project in Valletta, Malta, showcases a balanced approach between historical preservation and modern architectural intervention. Through adaptive reuse and symbolic reconstruction, this project ensures that Valletta’s heritage remains relevant within a contemporary urban context [38]. These examples highlight the importance of integrating heritage conservation into long-term urban development policies, where historical structures serve not only as relics of the past but also as active components of urban life.

Another notable example is the “Eye of Sustainable Planning” initiative in Famagusta, Northern Cyprus. This project highlights the importance of cooperation between local communities and urban planners in heritage preservation. By integrating community insights with professional expertise, the initiative fosters a regeneration process that respects cultural values while addressing practical urban needs [25]. The Cultural Heritage and Urban Development (CHUD) project in Saida, Lebanon, further demonstrates this approach by incorporating local cultural practices into tourism development. By creating a heritage trail, the project successfully contributes to economic growth while maintaining the area’s historical integrity [39]. These cases underscore the potential of HCD to enhance community engagement, as methods like empathy mapping can capture residents’ cultural attachments, while iterative prototyping ensures that heritage trails or public spaces evolve based on community feedback, a strategy that could be adapted for Tarout’s regeneration.

Despite these successes, heritage-based urban regeneration faces several challenges. One of the primary concerns is striking a balance between heritage preservation and urban development. Socio-economic disparities often emerge, as regeneration projects risk displacing vulnerable populations due to the gentrification of historic neighborhoods [40]. To mitigate these risks, inclusive and participatory planning such as that implemented in Bologna and Görlitz becomes crucial. HCD approaches can further address these challenges by prioritizing equity and inclusion, using tools like stakeholder mapping to ensure that marginalized groups, such as low-income residents or youth, are represented in planning processes [35]. Additionally, securing funding for heritage projects remains a significant obstacle. Collaborative initiatives that foster public–private partnerships, as seen in the CHUD project, offer potential solutions through shared resources and strategic cooperation. Innovative financial mechanisms, such as heritage-based tax incentives, crowdfunding campaigns, and social impact investments, could also help bridge funding gaps and make heritage conservation more economically viable [41].

Education and public awareness also play a critical role in the success of heritage-based regeneration. Studies from Bukhara, Uzbekistan, highlight the necessity of public campaigns to raise awareness about heritage values, thereby garnering community support for preservation efforts [24]. Public institutions, cultural organizations, and academic institutions can contribute by promoting heritage appreciation through workshops, exhibitions, and educational programs. Furthermore, sustainability is an essential consideration. The Urban Heritage Dynamics framework emphasizes the need to integrate environmental sustainability into heritage-based regeneration strategies, ensuring that heritage sites contribute to broader sustainability objectives [42]. Climate change adaptation strategies, such as using eco-friendly materials in restoration projects and improving energy efficiency in historic buildings, further enhance the long-term viability of heritage conservation efforts.

Heritage-based urban regeneration presents a viable pathway for revitalizing cities such as Tarout Island. By strengthening cultural identity, it promotes economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Key success factors include participatory planning, adaptive reuse of heritage structures, and the integration of sustainable practices. Leveraging its rich cultural heritage, Tarout Island can develop a regeneration strategy that respects its historical legacy while embracing contemporary urban opportunities. Implementing best practices from successful international case studies could enable the island to create a thriving urban environment that merges the past with the future.

Ultimately, a well-planned heritage-driven approach ensures that the unique cultural narrative of Tarout Island is preserved. At the same time, it fosters inclusivity, resilience, and long-term sustainability in urban development. By drawing on international best practices and tailoring them to local contexts, Tarout Island can create a vibrant, sustainable urban environment that honors its past while securing its future. Through strategic investment, stakeholder collaboration, and innovative urban planning, heritage-based regeneration can pave the way for a balanced, culturally enriched urban future.

2.3. Case Studies on Heritage-Based Urban Regeneration

The selected case studies are relevant to the concept of heritage-led urban regeneration and specifically address the case of Tarout City. They demonstrate successful approaches to integrating cultural heritage conservation with urban growth objectives in a complementary manner, achieving economic development, environmental sustainability, and an improved quality of life for residents. By drawing insights from various methodologies and outcomes, these case studies offer valuable lessons for overcoming the challenges of preserving heritage while meeting contemporary urban demands. As a result, they provide a strong foundation for developing a potentially applicable regeneration framework for Tarout Island.

The case studies were selected based on their relevance to heritage-based urban regeneration, their geographic diversity (global, regional, and local), and their alignment with Tarout Island’s challenges, such as balancing cultural preservation with tourism development and urban modernization. Malaga represents a global example of tourism-driven regeneration, Old Saida offers a regional perspective on heritage trails, and Historic Jeddah provides a local precedent within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 framework. The comparative analysis (

Table 1. Comparative analysis of heritage-based urban regeneration projects.

Case Study	Objectives	Methods	Challenges	Sustainability Outcomes
Malaga, Spain	Revitalize historic center, boost tourism	Adaptive reuse, pedestrianization, cultural investments	Gentrification, resident displacement	Economic growth, cultural hub, but social inequities
Old Saida, Lebanon	Preserve historic core, promote tourism	Heritage trail, artisan integration, site restoration	Limited infrastructure, uneven community benefits	Cultural preservation, tourism growth, but local exclusion
Historic Jeddah, Saudi Arabia	Restore UNESCO site, align with Vision 2030	Adaptive reuse, pedestrian zones, cultural tourism	Funding constraints, resident resistance	Heritage preservation, tourism boost, national alignment
Luanda, Angola	Integrate heritage into urban planning	Heritage Set mapping, mixed-use development	Weak legal enforcement, low public awareness	Economic growth, community cohesion, ongoing conservation
Famagusta, Northern Cyprus	Preserve coastal heritage, enhance community identity	Community workshops, eco-friendly restoration, heritage trails	Funding shortages, land use conflicts	Cultural identity, environmental resilience, tourism appeal
Tarout Island, Saudi Arabia	Preserve cultural heritage, promote sustainable development	Adaptive reuse, community co-design, eco-tourism, mangrove conservation	Weak legal enforcement, funding constraints, over-commercialization risks	(Proposed) cultural preservation, community empowerment, environmental resilience

) evaluates these cases based on criteria including objectives, methods, challenges, sustainability, community engagement, economic revitalization, heritage authenticity, cultural impact, and tourism integration, which were derived from key themes identified in the literature review (Section 2.2).

2.3.1. Global Case Study: Preserving the Historic Center of Malaga, Spain

Stitched together out of European funding for heritage-led urban transformation, the regeneration of the historic center of Malaga, Andalusia, reflects the region’s complex historical background, which includes Phoenician, Roman, and Muslim influences. By the late 20th century, the city center had struggled with economic stagnation, a declining population, and a deteriorating cultural heritage. In response to this, a comprehensive regeneration campaign began in the 1990s, supported by European Structural and Cohesion Funds. The approach aimed to balance the safeguarding of cultural heritage with urban development, fostering a vision for the future while respecting the past. Projects during this time ranged from the restoration of important landmarks, such as the Roman Theatre, to the adaptive reuse of archaeological sites and the improvement of public spaces.

Notable pedestrianization plans for Larios Street and Constitución Square have transformed these locations into cultural and commercial hubs for both residents and visitors. Cultural institutions, including the Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou, further solidified Malaga’s position as a global cultural tourism destination. Despite these successes in improving the urban environment and stimulating economic activity, significant challenges emerged. The focus on developing tourism led to rising property values, with residential prices in the historic center increasing by approximately 20% between 2000 and 2010, causing the displacement of locals and businesses—a classic example of gentrification [43]. In some areas, preservation efforts were undermined by the widespread practice of façade retention, diminishing the authenticity of the heritage fabric.

Moreover, some parts of the city were neglected, perpetuating inequalities in urban investment and development. The case of Malaga highlights the transformative potential of heritage-led urban revitalization, wherein cultural heritage acts as a catalyst for economic development and urban reactivation. However, it also underscores the importance of tourism strategies that balance the protection of authenticity with the inclusion of local communities [44]. This case study offers valuable lessons for Tarout Island on the need for greater equity in investment, sustainable planning, and local participation, which can lead to more inclusive and effective urban regeneration that respects local cultures.

2.3.2. Regional Case Study: The Historic Old Saida, Lebanon

One emerging regional model of heritage-led urban regeneration is the Cultural Heritage and Urban Development (CHUD) project in Old Saida, Lebanon. This ambitious initiative focused on the historic core of the city, an area that still preserved medieval architecture and urban fabric at its heart, while attempting to merge heritage conservation with economic growth and urban development. Central to the project was the creation of a heritage trail designed to connect significant historical sites, positioning cultural tourism as a key driver of socio-economic development. This trail not only showcased the rich history of the area but also aimed to boost tourism, contributing to the local economy.

The interventions within the CHUD project included the restoration of public spaces, the adaptive reuse of heritage structures, and the conservation of historical monuments. While these efforts succeeded in making the region more attractive to tourists, the initiative faced criticism for prioritizing projects aimed at attracting visitors over addressing the immediate needs of the local population. Many residents, living in inadequate housing conditions, did not directly benefit from the regeneration schemes. Furthermore, the lack of community involvement in both the planning and implementation stages, coupled with insufficient provision of tourist support resources such as wayfinding systems and public amenities, limited the project’s long-term sustainability and its overall impact on the local community.

By incorporating local voices and addressing environmental implications, the CHUD project offers a valuable blueprint for future initiatives where heritage conservation and socio-economic realities can coexist [39]. For Tarout Island, this case underscores the need for a more inclusive approach, where the needs of local communities are a central consideration in the planning process. Developing infrastructure that serves both residents and visitors, alongside fostering local participation, is crucial for the success of culture-driven regeneration projects focused on sustainability and community development.

2.3.3. Local Case Study: Historic Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The restoration of Historic Jeddah, locally known as Al-Balad, is a leading example of heritage-based urban revitalization in the Kingdom [43]. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, the area is renowned for its distinctive architectural style, including coral stone structures and ornamental wooden balconies (Roshan) [45]. Historically, Jeddah served as a gateway for pilgrims traveling safely to Makkah and flourished as a multicultural trading port. Although its cultural significance is widely recognized, years of neglect and urban planning challenges have led to the deterioration of its historical fabric, threatening both its preservation and continued use [43].

Historic Jeddah is now undergoing a revival, with heritage being leveraged for economic, social, and cultural development. Major initiatives include restoring and adapting historic buildings, enhancing public spaces, and investing in infrastructure to support cultural tourism and local businesses. Stakeholder surveys, conducted primarily with residents, business owners, and cultural institutions, indicate strong support for the project. Many anticipate better economic opportunities, an improved quality of life, and increased cultural engagement. The initiative is designed not only to revitalize the area but also to strengthen community identity while preserving the historic and symbolic significance of the site.

However, the project has sparked discussions about artistic growth, modern urban needs, and concerns over gentrification, as well as skepticism regarding the adequacy of infrastructure improvements. Addressing these challenges will require effective coordination among stakeholders and sustained investment. Long-term sustainability can be achieved when heritage and urban development work together to support evolving community dynamics for future generations [43]. This case reinforces Tarout Island’s holistic development approach, which integrates cultural heritage with the well-being of local communities to ensure that urban regeneration leads to meaningful, value-added development.

2.3.4. A Comparative Analysis of Heritage-Based Urban Regeneration Case Studies

Comparative analysis provides a robust method for extracting best practices and lessons from heritage-based urban regeneration projects, enabling the adaptation of successful strategies to Tarout Island’s unique context. By examining global and regional case studies, this section identifies key approaches, challenges, and outcomes that inform the proposed regeneration framework for Tarout. The selected cases—Malaga (Spain), Old Saida (Lebanon), and Historic Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)—represent diverse contexts with shared challenges, such as balancing tourism-driven development with heritage preservation and addressing socio-economic disparities. To broaden the scope, two additional case studies—Luanda (Angola) and Famagusta (Northern Cyprus)—are included to highlight strategies relevant to Tarout’s coastal heritage and community-driven planning needs. Table 1 summarizes the comparative analysis, now including Tarout Island, to provide a comprehensive overview of objectives, methods, challenges, and sustainability outcomes across these cases.

Malaga’s regeneration of its historic center illustrates the economic potential of heritage-based urban revitalization. The city transformed its declining urban core into a vibrant cultural hub through the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, pedestrianization, and tourism-focused infrastructure [44]. Investments in cultural institutions, such as the Picasso Museum, and the restoration of Roman and Moorish sites attracted millions of visitors, boosting the local economy. However, this success came with challenges, including gentrification and the displacement of low-income residents, highlighting the need for inclusive planning to balance tourism with local needs. Malaga’s experience underscores the importance of equitable tourism policies, such as zoning regulations to protect affordable housing, which Tarout can adopt to prevent similar socio-economic disparities.

Old Saida’s Cultural Heritage and Urban Development (CHUD) project aimed to preserve the city’s historic core while promoting sustainable tourism [39]. The project restored key heritage sites, such as the Khan al-Franj, and developed a heritage trail to attract visitors. Community engagement was a core component, with local artisans and businesses integrated into tourism initiatives. However, limited infrastructure upgrades and weak community involvement in later phases led to uneven benefits, with some residents feeling excluded from economic gains. Old Saida’s case emphasizes the need for sustained community engagement and infrastructure improvements that prioritize local needs, lessons Tarout can apply by ensuring continuous resident input and balanced development.

Historic Jeddah’s regeneration, driven by its UNESCO World Heritage status, focused on restoring coral stone buildings and promoting cultural tourism within Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 framework [45]. The project employed adaptive reuse, transforming historic houses into museums and cultural centers, and introduced pedestrian-friendly zones to enhance accessibility. Challenges included funding constraints and resistance from residents wary of over-commercialization, necessitating robust stakeholder coordination. Jeddah’s alignment with national development goals and stakeholder coordination models offers Tarout a blueprint for integrating heritage conservation into Saudi Vision 2030, while its challenges highlight the need for sustainable funding and community buy-in.

Luanda’s Metropolitan Plan incorporated the “Heritage Set” concept, systematically mapping culturally significant sites to integrate them into urban planning [28]. This approach preserved historic structures while promoting mixed-use developments, fostering economic growth and community cohesion. Challenges included weak legal enforcement and limited public awareness, which hindered conservation efforts. Luanda’s systematic heritage mapping and mixed-use strategies provide Tarout with a model for cataloging its archaeological sites and repurposing them for modern uses, while its challenges underscore the need for stronger legal protections.

Famagusta’s “Eye of Sustainable Planning” initiative balanced coastal heritage preservation with community-led planning [25]. The project engaged residents through workshops to design heritage trails and public spaces, enhancing cultural identity and tourism appeal. Environmental sustainability was prioritized through eco-friendly restoration and coastal protection measures. Challenges included funding shortages and conflicts over land use, requiring innovative financing like public–private partnerships. Famagusta’s community-driven approach and environmental focus offer Tarout strategies for participatory planning and mangrove conservation, while its funding solutions can guide Tarout’s financial planning.

2.3.5. Lessons Learned and Global Applicability

The comparative analysis reveals key lessons for Tarout Island and offers insights for global heritage-based urban regeneration. From Malaga, Tarout can learn to implement equitable tourism policies, such as zoning regulations and affordable housing protections, to prevent gentrification and ensure inclusive economic benefits. Old Saida’s experience highlights the importance of sustained community engagement and infrastructure upgrades that serve both residents and tourists, guiding Tarout to prioritize co-design workshops and balanced development. Historic Jeddah’s success in aligning heritage conservation with national goals (Vision 2030) provides Tarout with a model for stakeholder coordination and policy integration, while its challenges emphasize the need for sustainable funding through public–private partnerships. Luanda’s Heritage Set concept offers a systematic approach to mapping and integrating heritage sites, which Tarout can adapt to catalog its archaeological assets and promote mixed-use developments. Famagusta’s community-driven planning and environmental focus provide strategies for Tarout’s participatory workshops and mangrove conservation, with innovative financing models to address funding gaps.

Tarout’s proposed framework, emphasizing adaptive reuse, sustainable tourism, community engagement, and environmental resilience, offers universal lessons for heritage-rich regions worldwide. Its community-driven approach, enhanced by human-centered design, can inform participatory planning in post-industrial cities like Liverpool, the UK, or historic towns in Southeast Asia, such as George Town, Malaysia, where local voices are critical to balancing heritage with modernization. Tarout’s eco-tourism and mangrove conservation strategies are particularly relevant for coastal heritage sites, such as Galle, Sri Lanka, or Cartagena, Colombia, facing sea level rises and tourism pressures. By aligning heritage preservation with Saudi Vision 2030, Tarout’s model parallels national frameworks like the UAE’s Vision 2021 or India’s Smart Cities Mission, offering a replicable blueprint for rapidly developing regions in the Global South. For instance, Tarout’s emphasis on legal protections and community-led tourism can guide Mediterranean cities like Valletta, Malta, in mitigating over-commercialization, while its environmental resilience measures can inform Caribbean heritage sites addressing climate change. These lessons position Tarout as a valuable case study for global urban planning, demonstrating how small-scale heritage sites can harmonize cultural preservation with sustainable development.

3. Materials and Methods

This study employs a qualitative research design, using a desktop-based approach to investigate and propose a framework for heritage-based urban regeneration in Tarout Island. By focusing on existing literature, policies, and case studies, this method allows for a comprehensive analysis of heritage preservation strategies and their integration into urban development [46]. The methodology emphasizes the theoretical and contextual understanding necessary for addressing the complex dynamics of cultural heritage and urban regeneration in the island’s unique setting. The research is qualitative in nature, which is suitable for exploring the intricate relationships between heritage conservation, urban regeneration, and sustainable development [47]. This approach was selected because it allows for an in-depth examination of secondary data, which is central to constructing a conceptual framework for the study.

The study relies on secondary data collected through extensive desktop research, which includes a wide range of policy documents such as Saudi Vision 2030 and local urban planning guidelines, as well as international frameworks like UNESCO conventions (

Table 2. Key documents analyzed.

Document Type	Title	Source	Relevance
Policy Document	Saudi Vision 2030	Saudi Arabia (2016) [2]	Provides the national framework for heritage conservation and tourism development relevant to Tarout Island.
Academic Article	Urban Regeneration and the Search for Identity in Historic Cities	Boussaa (2017), Sustainability [10]	Discusses heritage-based urban regeneration in the Gulf, applicable to Tarout’s context.
Institutional Report	Qatif City Profile	UN-Habitat (2019) [1]	Offers detailed insights into Tarout Island’s urban and heritage challenges.

). The analysis is informed by articles in academic journals, reports from institutions, and case studies from around the globe. The research specifically focuses on successful urban regeneration schemes derived from heritage resources to better reflect methodologies and outcomes that can be applied to Tarout Island’s regeneration framework. The study synthesizes these materials to create an integrated examination of heritage as a force for sustainable urban regeneration, using both thematic and comparative analysis to explore the key factors involved.

Literature for the thematic analysis was selected based on its relevance to heritage-based urban regeneration, sustainable urban development, and cultural preservation [48], with a focus on peer-reviewed academic articles, institutional reports, and policy documents published within the last 15 years to ensure currency. Sources were identified through academic databases (e.g., Scopus and Web of Science) and institutional repositories (e.g., UNESCO and UN-Habitat) using keywords such as ‘heritage-based urban regeneration’, ‘sustainable urban development’, ‘cultural preservation’, and ‘Tarout Island’. The selection prioritized studies and reports that addressed theoretical frameworks, practical case studies, or policy analyses relevant to Tarout’s socio-cultural and environmental context.

4. Tarout Island: A Legacy of History, Culture, and Challenges

Tarout Island is recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions in the Arabian Peninsula, with evidence of settlement dating back to the Neolithic period [49]. Over the centuries, it has played a pivotal role in trade, culture, and regional geopolitics. The island’s strategic location in the Arabian Gulf made it a center of commerce, religion, and governance across different historical periods [50]. Today, Tarout Island is an essential part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance cultural tourism and heritage conservation. The island’s historical richness, combined with its natural beauty and economic potential, makes it a crucial site for both academic research and tourism development. However, like many historical regions, it faces pressing challenges related to urbanization, environmental degradation, and conservation efforts.

4.1. Ancient History and Trade Significance

During the Dilmun civilization, Tarout Island emerged as a major trade hub connecting Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and other regions. The island’s proximity to important trade routes made it a focal point for merchants dealing in spices, pearls, and textiles. Archaeological discoveries, including pottery, jewelry, and tools, highlight the island’s advanced craftsmanship and its role in ancient trade networks [51]. These artifacts reinforce Tarout’s influence in the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas, showing evidence of a sophisticated economic system that thrived on cross-border commerce. Excavations have also uncovered burial mounds and inscriptions that provide glimpses into the religious and societal structures of the time.

Temples dedicated to Mesopotamian deities suggest a significant cultural and spiritual interchange between civilizations [1]. This historical trade legacy continues to shape Tarout’s identity, even as modern economic shifts redefine its role in regional commerce. With its deep-water access and strategic location, the island played a key role in maritime trade, with goods from Persia, India, and Mesopotamia frequently passing through its ports. Historical sources suggest that Tarout was known for its high-quality pearls, which were highly sought after in ancient markets [52].

4.2. Islamic Era and Cultural Evolution

With the advent of Islam, Tarout Island continued to flourish, integrating into the Islamic caliphate’s economic and administrative systems. The island became a prominent trading center, with its ports facilitating the movement of goods between the Arabian Peninsula and the wider Indian Ocean trade network. Under successive Islamic rulers, Tarout remained a cultural melting pot where diverse communities coexisted, contributing to its rich heritage [52,53]. Islamic-era architectural remnants, including mosques and traditional markets, reflect the island’s deep-rooted connection to Islamic culture.

Maritime trade remained crucial, with the island’s skilled navigators and boat builders contributing to the wider Arabian Gulf economy. Many historical documents indicate that Tarout was a center of scholarship and religious learning during the early Islamic period, with prominent scholars and traders shaping the intellectual and economic landscape [52]. Today, Tarout’s historical legacy positions it as a key destination in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to preserve and promote its cultural heritage as part of Vision 2030 [2,54].

4.3. Historical Landmarks and Architecture

One of Tarout’s most significant landmarks is Tarout Castle (Figure 2), believed to have origins dating back to the Dilmun period. The current structure is thought to have been rebuilt during the Portuguese occupation in the 16th century, showcasing the island’s strategic military importance [55]. Excavations near the castle have revealed a wealth of historical artifacts, including inscriptions and burial sites, shedding light on the civilizations that once thrived in the region [56]. Other important historical sites include ancient temples dedicated to Mesopotamian deities, which indicate a longstanding cultural connection to the broader Mesopotamian world [52].

Vernacular architecture, such as traditional coral stone houses and maritime heritage structures, illustrates the island’s historical reliance on the sea. Islamic heritage sites, including old mosques and wells from the Islamic era, highlight the island’s spiritual and economic role in earlier centuries [1,49,57]. The intricate architectural styles found in Tarout’s buildings demonstrate a blend of influences from different civilizations that passed through the island. The use of coral stone in construction, a technique developed to withstand the harsh Gulf climate, exemplifies the ingenuity of Tarout’s early inhabitants [57,58].

4.4. Socio-Economic Landscape

Tarout Island’s economy has historically relied on fishing, with small-scale traders and craftsmen contributing to local commerce. The island’s pearl diving industry, once a dominant economic activity, has largely diminished due to modern developments. Today, fishing remains significant, but the local economy has diversified to include small enterprises, retail businesses, and emerging heritage tourism opportunities [1]. Despite these economic transitions, challenges persist. Many young residents migrate to nearby cities for better employment prospects [59], and there is a need for more specialized training in heritage conservation, sustainable industries, and modern trades.

Additionally, the island’s aging population highlights the necessity of economic policies that encourage young talent to remain and contribute to local development. Strategic economic interventions, such as investing in tourism and promoting local crafts, could revitalize the island’s economy while preserving its cultural heritage. Government and private sector collaborations in the tourism sector could provide new employment opportunities and help sustain the island’s economic relevance.

4.5. Urbanization and Infrastructure Challenges

Tarout Island’s land use includes commercial, residential, agricultural, and heritage zones. However, rapid urbanization threatens its historical sites and agricultural lands. Encroachment on heritage sites due to modern developments has posed a serious challenge to preservation efforts [1]. Infrastructure limitations, such as poor road networks, inadequate public transportation, and unequal access to public amenities like schools and hospitals, further complicate urban planning. Aging water and sanitation systems require urgent upgrades to meet contemporary urban standards. Addressing these challenges will require a balanced approach that promotes sustainable urban expansion while safeguarding Tarout’s cultural and environmental assets. Without proper planning, the rapid urban sprawl could permanently damage the island’s cultural integrity, leading to the irreversible loss of historic sites.

4.6. Environmental Concerns and Climate Impact

Tarout Island is home to rich natural resources, including mangroves and coastal ecosystems that support biodiversity. However, environmental threats are mounting due to coastal erosion, pollution, and climate change. Unregulated coastal development and rising sea levels threaten the island’s natural and built heritage [60]. Industrial and marine pollution pose risks to both the environment and public health, while increasing temperatures and sporadic rainfall impact agriculture and water resources [1]. Long-term ecological preservation strategies must be integrated into urban planning to ensure the island’s environmental resilience. Conservation programs aimed at restoring mangroves and protecting coastal ecosystems could help mitigate some of these environmental risks.

4.7. Heritage Conservation Challenges

Despite its historical significance, Tarout faces severe conservation challenges. Weak legal protections and ineffective enforcement of heritage protection laws have left key sites vulnerable to damage [61]. Many restoration efforts lack the necessary funding, expertise, and strategic planning, leading to incomplete or unsustainable projects [62]. Environmental threats, including water pollution and sea level rise, further endanger cultural and natural landmarks [63]. Moreover, limited public awareness and participation hinder grassroots conservation efforts, making it difficult to foster a sense of ownership among the local population [61]. Educational programs and awareness campaigns could bridge the gap between the local community and preservation efforts, fostering a greater appreciation for Tarout’s heritage.

In summary, Tarout Island stands as a testament to centuries of cultural exchanges and historical evolution. While it faces pressing challenges, a strategic approach integrating heritage conservation, sustainable development, and community participation can safeguard its legacy. Strengthening legal protections for heritage sites, investing in infrastructure improvements, expanding heritage tourism initiatives, and promoting ecological preservation alongside urban development are key steps toward ensuring the island’s long-term sustainability.

5. Discussion

Urban regeneration has become a critical tool in balancing heritage conservation with sustainable urban development, particularly in historically rich locations like Tarout Island. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of integrating cultural preservation with modern urban planning, aligning with global best practices while addressing local challenges. This discussion explores the implications of these findings, comparing them to previous studies and international case studies that have successfully implemented heritage-based urban regeneration strategies.

5.1. The Role of Heritage-Based Urban Regeneration in Tarout Island

A heritage-based urban regeneration approach is essential to ensuring that Tarout Island maintains its historical and cultural identity while advancing socio-economic development. The island’s strategic location and rich archaeological heritage make it a valuable site for preservation, yet it currently suffers from neglect, inadequate infrastructure, and unregulated urban expansion. Without a strategic framework, Tarout risks losing its unique cultural landscape to modernization pressures.

Similar concerns have been observed in HafenCity, Hamburg [15], and the Msheireb project in Doha [10], where urban planners successfully integrated historical elements into contemporary cityscapes. The HafenCity development balanced Hamburg’s maritime history with modern urban demands, while Msheireb’s redevelopment fused Qatari architectural traditionalism with modern infrastructure. These examples support the conclusion that Tarout Island must adopt a strategic framework that preserves its historical elements while fostering economic growth.

Beyond physical restoration, heritage-based urban regeneration plays a crucial role in strengthening local identity and fostering community pride [64]. As urban expansion continues in Saudi Arabia, historical areas like Tarout risk losing their intangible cultural heritage, local traditions, crafts, and oral histories. Effective urban regeneration should incorporate initiatives such as oral history documentation, community-led storytelling programs [65], and cultural education centers, ensuring that the living cultural heritage of the island is preserved and promoted alongside its physical structures [66]. Encouraging local artisans and traditional craftspeople to participate in heritage preservation efforts can also strengthen economic sustainability while maintaining cultural authenticity [23].

5.2. Sustainable Tourism as a Tool for Economic Development

Another critical finding of this study highlights the role of sustainable tourism in driving economic development in heritage-rich areas. While Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to enhance tourism, there is a risk of over-commercialization, which could lead to gentrification and the loss of authenticity. Tarout’s regeneration plan must ensure that tourism development does not displace local communities or erode its cultural heritage.

The case of Malaga, Spain, serves as a cautionary example. While Malaga’s heritage-led transformation revitalized its historic center and increased tourism, rising property values led to gentrification, displacing locals and traditional businesses [44]. A similar situation occurred in the Old Saida Cultural Heritage and Urban Development (CHUD) project in Lebanon, where restoration efforts prioritized tourist appeal over local community needs [39]. These examples highlight the risks associated with unchecked tourism development and emphasize the need for careful policy implementation.

To avoid such pitfalls, Tarout must adopt a balanced tourism strategy that safeguards historical sites while fostering local economic opportunities. Community-based tourism models, including cultural festivals, local artisanal markets, and guided heritage tours, can ensure that tourism benefits both residents and visitors. Additionally, eco-tourism initiatives can be integrated into the regeneration strategy to promote responsible tourism. Given Tarout Island’s coastal ecosystem and mangrove forests, a nature–heritage tourism model could attract visitors while preserving environmental assets. Establishing heritage trails that incorporate historical sites, local crafts, and nature reserves would ensure that tourism development aligns with both cultural and environmental sustainability.

Moreover, sustainable tourism policies should prioritize responsible visitor management, ensuring that infrastructure developments do not compromise historical integrity. Regulations limiting visitor numbers in sensitive heritage zones and encouraging green transportation options, such as cycling and walking routes, can help maintain a balance between economic growth and conservation.

5.3. Community Involvement in Regeneration Planning

Community participation emerges as a crucial factor for the long-term success of urban regeneration projects. Many heritage-driven initiatives fail when they are imposed top-down without local engagement [67]. Tarout’s residents must be active stakeholders in shaping the island’s urban future to ensure that interventions align with their cultural values and socio-economic needs.

Successful examples from Bologna, Italy [6], and Görlitz, Germany [30], demonstrate that public workshops and participatory planning processes enhance the sustainability of urban transformations. In contrast, projects such as the CHUD initiative in Old Saida [39] and Jeddah’s Al-Balad restoration [68] faced local resistance due to insufficient community involvement, raising concerns about gentrification and inclusivity.

To ensure participatory planning in Tarout, heritage councils, resident advisory groups, and collaborative urban design workshops should be established. These mechanisms can be enhanced by adopting human-centered design (HCD) principles, as outlined by the LUMA Institute [35] and Wells and Barry [36], to foster ongoing community feedback and involvement. HCD emphasizes empathy, iteration, and co-design, ensuring that regeneration plans reflect residents’ needs and cultural connections to heritage. Specific HCD-inspired mechanisms for Tarout include the following:

• Community Co-Design Workshops: Regular workshops using HCD methods like brainstorming, persona development, and prototyping to involve residents in designing heritage trails, public spaces, and adaptive reuse projects. For example, workshops could focus on co-creating heritage trails that highlight local stories, ensuring cultural authenticity.
• Digital Feedback Platforms: Online portals or mobile apps for residents to provide continuous feedback on regeneration projects, with iterative updates based on community input. These platforms can use HCD’s journey mapping to track resident experiences and identify pain points in the regeneration process.
• Citizen Advisory Panels: Permanent resident-led panels to monitor and guide regeneration efforts, ensuring sustained input. HCD’s stakeholder mapping can ensure the representation of diverse groups, such as youth, artisans, and elders, to address varied needs.
• Empathy Mapping Exercises: Conduct sessions to understand residents’ emotional and cultural attachments to Tarout’s heritage, informing sensitive planning decisions. For instance, empathy maps could reveal preferences for preserving traditional markets, guiding adaptive reuse plans.

Additionally, local stakeholders must be provided with capacity-building programs, including heritage conservation training and urban planning awareness initiatives, empowering them as active contributors to the regeneration process. These programs can incorporate HCD training, teaching residents to facilitate co-design workshops or analyze feedback using LUMA’s methods [35], fostering a culture of participatory planning.

Further, digital engagement platforms can be leveraged to involve younger generations, allowing them to contribute ideas and participate in heritage conservation efforts [69]. Social media campaigns, virtual heritage tours, and interactive storytelling projects can make community engagement more dynamic and inclusive [70], ensuring that diverse voices are heard in shaping Tarout’s future. By integrating HCD principles, such as iterative prototyping, these digital platforms can evolve based on user feedback, ensuring they remain accessible and relevant to Tarout’s youth.

5.4. Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Structures for Economic and Cultural Revitalization

Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings is another key strategy for economic growth and cultural revitalization [71,72] in Tarout. Many historic sites remain underutilized, contributing to urban decline. Repurposing heritage structures for cultural, commercial, and public use can help reintegrate them into the urban fabric.

The Historic Jeddah project serves as a notable example, where abandoned coral stone houses were restored and repurposed for boutique hotels, cafes, and cultural spaces [73]. Similarly, in Valletta, Malta, heritage structures were converted into mixed-use developments, maintaining architectural authenticity while creating economic opportunities [38].

For Tarout, adaptive reuse can take various forms, such as transforming traditional houses into cultural centers or museums, rehabilitating historic markets into modern commercial hubs, converting old fortresses into public exhibition spaces or tourism offices, and creating artist residencies or co-working spaces in restored buildings [37]. By ensuring that these structures are not merely preserved but actively used, Tarout can maintain its historical integrity while fostering cultural and economic engagement.

Moreover, investment incentives for adaptive reuse projects, such as tax benefits and grants for property owners who restore historic buildings, could accelerate these initiatives and encourage private sector participation.

5.5. Integrating Environmental Sustainability into Regeneration Efforts

The study highlights that Tarout Island faces environmental threats, including coastal erosion, pollution, and climate change, which jeopardize both its natural and built heritage. Integrating environmental sustainability into urban regeneration is therefore a priority. Global case studies provide valuable lessons in this regard, such as the “Eye of Sustainable Planning” initiative in Famagusta, Cyprus, which demonstrated how coastal heritage sites can be preserved using sustainable construction methods. In Bukhara, Uzbekistan, heritage conservation efforts were coupled with public awareness campaigns on environmental sustainability [74].

For Tarout, incorporating green infrastructure, climate-resilient materials, and coastal protection measures into its urban regeneration framework is essential. Eco-friendly restoration techniques should be adopted to minimize damage to historical structures, ensuring that conservation efforts do not compromise the integrity of these sites [7]. Additionally, the integration of green roofs and energy-efficient retrofits in heritage buildings would help reduce environmental impact while preserving architectural authenticity [75]. Given the island’s coastal setting, mangrove conservation programs must be implemented to mitigate erosion and protect the natural ecosystem [76]. These strategies, when combined, will enable Tarout to achieve a balance between environmental sustainability and cultural preservation, ensuring a resilient and future-proof urban regeneration strategy.

This discussion underscores that heritage-based urban regeneration in Tarout Island must be holistic, integrating sustainable tourism, community engagement, adaptive reuse, and environmental sustainability. Comparisons with previous studies reveal common challenges such as gentrification, lack of community participation, and environmental risks, which must be addressed through tailored strategies. By learning from successful case studies and adapting best practices, Tarout can create a regeneration framework that balances cultural heritage with contemporary urban needs. With a strategic, community-driven approach, Tarout Island can emerge as a model for heritage-based urban regeneration in Saudi Arabia, preserving its historical legacy while fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability.

6. Proposed Framework for Heritage-Based Urban Regeneration in Tarout Island

A well-structured heritage-based urban regeneration framework is essential for preserving Tarout Island’s historical and cultural identity while fostering sustainable urban development. The framework proposed in this study is primarily based on a comprehensive review of the literature, an analysis of global case studies, and an assessment of the local context of Tarout Island. By integrating global best practices with local needs, this framework ensures heritage protection, community engagement, economic revitalization, and environmental sustainability.

As illustrated in Figure 3, this framework consists of five key components that form the foundation for heritage-based urban regeneration in Tarout Island. The first component focuses on preserving and adaptively reusing cultural heritage assets, ensuring that historical buildings and sites are maintained while serving contemporary purposes. The second component emphasizes sustainable tourism development, leveraging Tarout’s rich history to attract visitors while safeguarding the island from over-tourism and commercialization. The third component highlights the importance of community participation and stakeholder engagement, fostering local involvement in the decision-making process. The fourth component addresses infrastructure and urban design integration, ensuring that modern urban development aligns with heritage conservation. Finally, the fifth component focuses on environmental sustainability and climate resilience, integrating ecological protection measures into urban regeneration efforts.

6.1. Key Components of the Proposed Framework

6.1.1. Cultural Heritage Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

Cultural heritage preservation requires identifying and documenting archaeological sites, historic buildings, and cultural traditions. Restoration and conservation efforts should use sustainable materials and scientific restoration practices to maintain authenticity. Adaptive reuse strategies involve converting historic buildings into cultural centers, museums, and community spaces, repurposing old marketplaces into commercial hubs, and developing mixed-use spaces that blend heritage preservation with modern functionality. Providing incentives for property owners to restore and repurpose historical structures is also essential.

6.1.2. Sustainable Tourism Development

Sustainable tourism development should incorporate community-based tourism by supporting local entrepreneurs, establishing guided historical tours led by residents, and promoting heritage homestays. Tourism management strategies must include visitor policies to prevent over-tourism and gentrification, eco-tourism initiatives that integrate mangrove conservation with heritage visits, and zoning regulations to control commercial activities near heritage sites. Additionally, digital engagement and marketing efforts should use virtual and augmented reality to showcase Tarout’s history, develop online platforms with virtual tours, create mobile applications with heritage maps, and engage audiences through social media campaigns highlighting restoration efforts.

6.1.3. Community Participation and Stakeholder Engagement

To ensure meaningful community engagement, the regeneration process should incorporate primary data collection methods, such as questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, to gather residents’ views on urban regeneration, their willingness to participate, and their capacity to contribute. These methods can identify influencing factors, such as awareness levels, economic constraints, or cultural values, that shape community participation, enabling tailored strategies to foster inclusive planning. To enhance these efforts, human-centered design (HCD) principles, as outlined by the LUMA Institute [35] and Wells [36], should be integrated to ensure ongoing community feedback and involvement (see Section 5.3). These HCD-inspired mechanisms ensure that community engagement is iterative, inclusive, and responsive, aligning with Wells’ emphasis on co-design in heritage preservation [36]. By fostering a culture of participation, Tarout’s regeneration can reflect residents’ aspirations, enhance social cohesion, and mitigate risks of top-down interventions.

6.1.4. Infrastructure and Urban Design Integration

Smart and sustainable infrastructure upgrades should preserve the historical urban fabric while implementing green solutions such as permeable pavements and solar lighting. Underground utilities should be integrated to prevent visual disruptions to heritage landscapes. Public space activation strategies include revitalizing abandoned spaces into cultural and social hubs, developing pedestrian-friendly zones around heritage landmarks, and installing interactive heritage elements like digital kiosks and storytelling benches. Architectural guidelines should ensure that new constructions harmonize with traditional aesthetics, use local and sustainable materials, and limit high-rise developments near historical districts to maintain visual integrity.

6.1.5. Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience

Coastal and environmental conservation measures should include implementing coastal protection to mitigate erosion, restoring mangrove forests to promote biodiversity, and designating marine conservation zones to protect archaeological sites. Sustainable building practices should use eco-friendly materials, encourage rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling, and promote landscaping with native plant species. Climate adaptation strategies should integrate resilience measures into urban planning for rising sea levels and extreme weather, develop emergency preparedness plans for heritage site protection, and implement passive cooling designs to reduce reliance on mechanical climate control.

6.2. Implementation Strategy

Implementing the proposed framework requires a phased approach to ensure effective and sustainable heritage-based urban regeneration in Tarout Island. This section outlines short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies, each designed to build upon the previous stage. The short-term initiatives focus on establishing foundational efforts such as research, pilot projects, and community engagement. The medium-term goals aim to expand and institutionalize key initiatives, including infrastructure improvements and policy development. The long-term vision ensures the continuity and sustainability of heritage conservation, integrating advanced technologies and global best practices.

6.2.1. Short-Term Initiatives (1–3 Years)

Establishing a heritage management task force is a crucial first step. Conducting baseline studies on historical assets will help assess conservation needs. Pilot projects should be launched for adaptive reuse and sustainable tourism. Community engagement initiatives should raise awareness of heritage conservation, and a digital archive should be developed to document oral histories and historical records. Baseline community surveys and focus group interviews should be conducted using human-centered design (HCD) methods like empathy mapping and stakeholder mapping [35] to assess the residents’ perceptions of heritage-based urban regeneration, their participation preferences, and barriers to engagement. Pilot co-design workshops should be launched, guided by HCD principles, to involve residents in designing public spaces or heritage trails, ensuring early community buy-in.

6.2.2. Medium-Term Goals (3–7 Years)

A phased heritage restoration program should be implemented, with a focus on priority areas. Cultural heritage trails and eco-tourism initiatives can help attract responsible tourism. Financial incentives should be introduced for heritage-based businesses. Infrastructure improvements should support sustainable mobility and pedestrian access. Heritage impact assessments should be mandated for new urban projects, and a heritage training institute should be established to equip local stakeholders with conservation skills. Community engagement should be expanded through HCD-inspired mechanisms, such as digital feedback platforms and citizen advisory panels, to ensure ongoing input. Local facilitators should be trained in HCD methods, such as journey mapping and prototyping [35], to sustain co-design workshops and analyze community feedback. HCD training should be integrated into the heritage training institute to build long-term capacity for participatory planning.

6.2.3. Long-Term Vision (7+ Years)

Heritage preservation policies should be institutionalized as a core part of urban planning. Tarout Island should be positioned as a national model for heritage-driven regeneration. Smart city technologies can enhance heritage site management. International collaborations should be fostered to exchange best practices in sustainable heritage conservation. Regeneration efforts should expand to neighboring historical sites, creating a connected cultural tourism corridor. An international heritage research center in Tarout should be established to support ongoing conservation and academic research. Community engagement should be sustained by institutionalizing HCD-inspired mechanisms, such as permanent co-design workshops and digital feedback loops, to ensure continuous resident input. A community-led HCD innovation hub in Tarout should be established to support ongoing participatory planning, leveraging methods like Wells’ co-design frameworks [36] to align regeneration with local aspirations.

7. Conclusions

This section discusses the implications of the study’s findings, comparing them with global and regional case studies to highlight best practices and challenges for heritage-based urban regeneration in Tarout Island. It explores the role of sustainable tourism, community engagement, adaptive reuse, and environmental sustainability in shaping a balanced regeneration strategy. Through a comparative analysis of global, regional, and local case studies, this research has demonstrated that successful heritage-based urban regeneration relies on a multifaceted strategy. The case of Malaga, Spain, highlights both the economic benefits and risks associated with tourism-driven heritage revitalization, while Old Saida in Lebanon illustrates the importance of inclusive planning to prevent socio-economic disparities. Similarly, the regeneration of Historic Jeddah showcases how heritage conservation can be embedded within national development goals, as seen in Saudi Vision 2030. These examples emphasize the importance of integrating cultural preservation, community participation, and sustainable economic models into urban regeneration initiatives.

For Tarout Island, a well-structured regeneration framework must be built on five key pillars: cultural heritage preservation, sustainable tourism, community engagement, infrastructure integration, and environmental sustainability. The adaptive reuse of historic buildings should be prioritized to maintain the authenticity of cultural sites while repurposing them for modern functions such as museums, cultural centers, and public spaces. Sustainable tourism strategies must be developed to attract visitors without compromising the island’s identity, with a focus on community-based tourism initiatives that empower local artisans, businesses, and cultural practitioners. Community engagement must be central to the planning process, ensuring that residents actively contribute to decision-making and benefit from regeneration efforts. Moreover, infrastructure improvements should be carefully designed to enhance connectivity and urban livability without disrupting historical landscapes. Finally, environmental sustainability must be embedded in all aspects of urban regeneration, addressing coastal erosion, climate resilience, and eco-friendly building practices to ensure the long-term viability of conservation efforts.

While this study provides a foundational framework for heritage-based urban regeneration in Tarout Island, several challenges must be addressed to ensure successful implementation. Legal enforcement of heritage protection laws remains a key concern, as weak regulations could leave historical sites vulnerable to encroachment and demolition. Securing sustainable funding for conservation projects is another major challenge, requiring innovative financial models such as public–private partnerships, heritage-based tax incentives, and grants for restoration initiatives. The risk of over-commercialization is another challenge that must be mitigated through responsible tourism policies that prevent excessive gentrification and the displacement of local communities. These challenges are not unique to Tarout but resonate with heritage sites globally, such as coastal cities like Valletta, Malta, or Galle, Sri Lanka, which face similar pressures from tourism growth and climate change. Tarout’s framework offers universal lessons, such as participatory planning to mitigate gentrification (as seen in Malaga) and eco-friendly restoration to enhance resilience (as in Famagusta, Cyprus). Furthermore, a limitation of this study is its reliance on secondary data, which restricts the inclusion of direct community perspectives on urban regeneration. Future research should incorporate primary data collection to capture residents’ views and ensure that regeneration strategies align with local priorities.

The global relevance of Tarout’s approach lies in its alignment with broader urban planning trends, where national development frameworks integrate heritage conservation with sustainable modernization. By embedding heritage preservation within Saudi Vision 2030, Tarout’s model parallels efforts in regions like the UAE (Vision 2021) or Oman (Vision 2040), where cultural identity supports economic and environmental goals. This makes Tarout a replicable blueprint for historic regions in the Global South and beyond, from Mediterranean towns to Southeast Asian heritage sites, navigating rapid urbanization and environmental threats. Future research should explore the role of digital technologies, such as 3D mapping and augmented reality, in enhancing heritage conservation and public engagement [69,70]. Longitudinal studies assessing the socio-economic impacts of heritage-based regeneration in Tarout Island could provide empirical evidence of the framework’s effectiveness. Comparative studies with other Gulf regions facing similar urbanization pressures would further refine the proposed strategies, contributing to a regional model for sustainable urban development. Moreover, Future studies should employ mixed-methods approaches, including questionnaires and interviews with Tarout Island residents, to explore their attitudes toward heritage conservation and urban regeneration. Analyzing factors such as trust in local authorities, access to resources, and cultural attachment to heritage sites can provide deeper insights into effective community engagement strategies, enhancing the inclusivity and sustainability of regeneration efforts.

The proposed framework for Tarout Island offers actionable policy recommendations for local and national authorities. Policymakers should prioritize strengthening legal protections for heritage sites through amendments to existing regulations, as weak enforcement remains a key challenge [61]. Establishing public–private partnerships and heritage-based tax incentives can address funding constraints, encouraging private sector investment in restoration projects [41]. Additionally, integrating heritage conservation into Saudi Vision 2030’s urban planning guidelines can ensure that modernization efforts align with cultural preservation goals, positioning Tarout as a model for other heritage-rich regions in Saudi Arabia. Globally, these strategies can inform heritage-driven regeneration in diverse contexts, from post-industrial European cities to coastal heritage sites in Latin America, offering a scalable approach to balancing cultural legacy with urban progress.

By adopting a holistic and sustainable approach to heritage-driven urban regeneration, Tarout Island has the potential to become a model for cultural preservation and modern urban development in Saudi Arabia. Its rich history, combined with forward-thinking planning strategies, can position the island as a key destination for heritage tourism, economic revitalization, and cultural innovation. If successfully implemented, the proposed framework can ensure that modernization efforts not only enhance urban infrastructure but also celebrate and sustain the island’s unique historical and cultural legacy for future generations. By offering a transferable model for harmonizing heritage with sustainable development, Tarout’s regeneration framework can inspire global efforts to preserve cultural identity while fostering resilient, inclusive urban futures.